News Headline
India vs Pakistan clash smashes TV records with 20.6 crore viewers
MUMBAI: There are rivalries, and then there’s this-India vs Pakistan, a battle that grips the subcontinent tighter than a Virat Kohli cover drive. The latest chapter of this age-old sporting saga was played out in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, and, surprise, surprise-it shattered television records! JioStar, the broadcaster with a flair for the dramatic, powered the showdown to an eye-watering 20.6 crore TV viewers, making it the second most-watched cricket match in BARC history outside of World Cup games.
For a match hyped as The Greatest Rivalry by Star Sports since 2021, it sure lived up to its billing. The 23 February contest in Dubai even outperformed the high-stakes India-Pakistan face-off during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in Ahmedabad, registering an 11 per cent higher TV rating (TVR). With a staggering 2609 crore minutes of TV watch-time logged, it was clear that cricket lovers weren’t just watching-they were glued to their screens as if their remotes had vanished into the couch abyss.
A JioStar – sports spokesperson, basking in the afterglow of this mammoth success, summed it up, “JioStar is scaling new heights as far as India’s experience of marquee sporting events is concerned. Combining the power of deep consumer focus, immersive storytelling, universalised access and incisive marketing, Star Sports has galvanised the interest in this age-old rivalry. We remain committed to serving fans, deepening fandom and recruiting new cohorts.”
And if the cricket wasn’t drama enough, the internet exploded when cameras panned to an iconic duo in the stands—former Indian captain MS Dhoni and Indian cinema’s very own Sunny Deol, casually enjoying the match. Because, honestly, what’s an Indo-Pak clash without some cinematic flair? Memes were minted, tweets were fired, and even those who had no idea about the match were suddenly very invested.
But JioStar didn’t just rely on the match to pull in viewers—it went full throttle with a pre-game content blitz. Star Sports rolled out an engaging line-up of shows, including Thank You Pakistan…Jeetega Hindustan, featuring cricketing legends Navjot Singh Sidhu, Yuvraj Singh, Shahid Afridi, and Inzamam-Ul-Haq. Meanwhile, Follow the Blues documented India’s meticulous preparations, ensuring fans were as hyped as an IPL auctioneer on caffeine. The build-up reached fever pitch on match day, kicking off with Dil Se India at 8:00 am, setting the stage for the epic clash.
Not to be left out, Oaksmith Cricket Live, Star Sports’ live pre, mid, and post-match show, also enjoyed its moment in the spotlight, drawing in 2.2 crore viewers who tuned in for expert analysis, insights, and, presumably, the occasional hyperbolic cricket metaphor.
And just when you thought the drama was over, the action is far from done. With Team India still undefeated, the Men in Blue are now set to take on New Zealand in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 final on 9 March. With another shot at glory on the line, will India lift another ICC trophy, following their T20 World Cup 2024 triumph? Fans will find out soon enough when coverage kicks off at 8:00 am across the JioStar network.
Cancel those morning meetings, fake a cough, and restock on beers-cricket fever is about to hit like a Jasprit Bumrah yorker at 150 km/h.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
